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Car Hire Excess Insurance Quotes > FAQ Section > Car Hire Excess Insurance FAQs > Car Hire Excess Waiver Insurance

What is Excess Waiver Insurance?

We explain exactly what Excess Waiver Insurance is, and why it might be a good idea to consider taking a policy out.

Excess Waiver Insurance for car hire is a reimbursement insurance covering the main areas car hirers are responsible for when they rent a vehicle. This means that, if a policyholder is charged by a car hire company for the excess payable when their hire car is stolen, vandalised or damaged, they can seek reimbursement from the car hire insurer. It provides significant peace of mind for car hirers.

Most car hires come with CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). This waives you of the responsibility of paying for the whole cost of the vehicle should it be damaged. The CDW will normally have an excess - the first part of the claim that you must pay. Excess insurance reimburses you for this first part if you have to pay it.

It also covers other areas of the car that are not usually covered at all by hire companies, whether or not the hire firms 'Super Cover' or 'Super CDW' is taken.

Whilst there are slight variances in the covered offered between insurers the key elements that can be insured include the:

Excess
Tyres and wheels
Glass (including the windscreens, light fittings and exterior mirrors)
Roof and underbody
Keys and lockout cover
Misfuelling

You can use the MoneyMaxim car hire excess insurance to compare all the features in more depth.

Having taken one of these policies, customers can turn down the add-on insurance (NOT the main insurances) offered by the hire firms - which can easily cost £100+ for a week's hire - safe in the knowledge that, if they are charged by the car hire firm, they can seek reimbursement from their car hire insurance policy.

A last but important point to make is that these policies cover the driver(s) rather than the car, so are totally disconnected from the rental car. This means contrary to some comments made at the rental desk they cannot be 'refused' as they have nothing to do with the car or the car hire company at all!

Compare car hire insurance prices with MoneyMaxim

If you have any queries do call a member of the MoneyMaxim car hire insurance team.

This content was last reviewed on 22/07/2024

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Moneymaximiser Limited trading as moneymaxim is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 496690). Moneymaximiser Limited, registered in England No. 6706021. Registered Office: 4c Market House, 19-21 Market Place, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1AP. Telephone 01183 218197.